But according to previously unreported emails obtained by ProPublica, a top lawyer at the IRS warned administration officials ...

I am writing to inform you that your position as U.S. Attorney is terminated, effective immediately." Reuters could not immediately determine how many offices had received the termination letters.

The emails reveal that in the hours before the IRS sent out its Feb. 20 termination letter, a fierce dispute played out at the agency’s highest levels. Joseph Rillotta, a senior IRS lawyer, ...